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Hair Tutorial

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Recently I’ve received a ton of emails regarding this particular hairstyle I do along with many women approaching me complimenting my hair. I’m extremely flattered and I had no idea how popular this particular style has become, yet many women have no clue how to do it themselves. It’s fairly easy but slightly time consuming if you have extensions or really long hair. Anyhow, I want all my hair-nistas to look fabulous so a tutorial is in order!

The hairstyle is called “Summer Waves”. Now, this is not an official title and I’m sure there are many names for it, but it’s the name I’ve coined. I tend to name all my hairstyles because I’m crazy and that’s what I do…lol

Summer Waves

Summer Waves (Front View)

Summer Waves (Back View)

As you can see from the photos above the waves are very tight. The smaller the curling iron, the tighter the waves. Usually I use a 1 1/4 inch barrel curling iron to do most of my hairstyles, which gives a loose wave effect. On this particular occassion I wanted to try something different so I used 2 different curling irons. First & foremost I only use Hot Tools curling irons (gold barrels). In my opinion they are the best and I’ve used their curling irons for years. The Hot Tools curling irons are priced between $30-$40 and you can purchase them at your local beauty supply store or order them online at www.amazon.com.

Hot Tools Curling Irons3/4 inch curling iron1 inch curling iron

Fusion Energy of Beauty Finishing Spray

For the Summer Waves hairstyle I used a 1 inch barrel and a 3/4 inch barrel curling iron. I alternated each curling iron making sure to curl away from my face. Also, spray each strand of hair with a medium hold hairspray before and after you curl. I used Fusion Finishing Spray because it was on sale and I’m a sucker for a good deal. It actually worked really well and I just bought it again. I purchased it at my local Sally Beauty Supply store.

To create a wavy look you have to turn the curling iron upside-down and wrap a strand of hair around the outside of the barrel. Do not open the curling iron. Hold the strand of hair with your fingers at the bottom for about 10 seconds then slowly release. Be careful not to burn your fingers with the curling iron as I have done many times before. I suggest wearing a winter glove of some kind.

Now for women who have clip-in extensions I suggest curling your hair extensions seperately from your natural hair. This will create a more dramatic look and the waves will stay longer. I stick the top part of my hair extension piece in my dresser draw and close it tightly. Then I sit on the floor and curl my extensions piece by piece. The dresser draw works great! It holds the hair extension piece in place and I can pull the hair while wrapping it securely around my curling iron. I’m also able to watch t.v., check emails, twitter, facebook, instagram, etc…

Using my dresser draw to hold extensions while I curl them…

Hair Extensions (Before seperating waves)

While I let my hair extensions set, I begin to curl my natural hair the same way. I leave my bangs straight and only curl the very ends allowing them to blend in nicely with the rest of my hair. Before I apply my extensions, I run my fingers through the waves making sure to seperate them. Apply a smoothing serum and lightly mist extensions with hair spray. I do the same process to my natural hair, then I apply my extensions. I play around with my hair once all the extensions are in securely. Flip your head upside down, seperate the waves a little more, fluff the hair up, and voila!!!!! Big, polished, Summer Waves!

Model Shot!

I did my best friend’s hair in waves using only the 1 inch barrel curling iron. No extensions, all natural, only took 30 mins.

The best part of this hairstyle is that it will last you about 2 days!!! All you have to do is add a little smoothing serum and go! The waves will loosen slightly but the hairstyle will look effortless.

Let me know if you try this hairstyle and if you have any tips of your own. I also welcome any hair tutorial request as I love trying new styles!!!